John Hartson has weighed in on Adam Idah’s future at Celtic, casting doubt on whether the Irish striker is ready to step up as the club’s main man following Kyogo’s departure.
Idah was signed for £9 million last summer and went on to score 20 goals in 53 appearances, the majority of which came from the bench. While not a bad return, questions remain over whether he can consistently deliver as a starting striker.
With Kyogo leaving for Rennes in January, Celtic are a top striker down. Although Idah saw more game time in the second half of the season, he has yet to fully convince that he can be the long-term replacement. His performances have been solid in spells but not enough to make the position his own.
Interestingly, it was Daizen Maeda who stepped into that role more often than not, shifting from his usual wide position to lead the line. Maeda’s energy and numbers in front of goal gave Brendan Rodgers another option, and one he regularly leaned on as the season wore on.
Hartson, though, believes Celtic can’t go into the new campaign with their current options alone. The Welshman insists a new striker is needed if the club want to push on, both domestically and in Europe.
He said: (TCW), “As statements go, it is a bold one from Adam Idah as I think Celtic need another striker to be added to their ranks.
“Celtic cannot afford to rest on their laurels, and adding quality keeps players on their toes. They will start the season in four competitions. The team needs to strengthen every year, especially if they want to progress and have another good run like they did last season in the Champions League
“If Idah gets the game time, he could score 30 goals a season, as he has shown that he can do it at this level and in the Champions League.
“My main concern for Idah would be getting enough playing time this season. I was a bit like him as I wanted to play in every game, but in the world that we live in now and in these heady days of rest and recovery and sports science, it is rare for any footballer to participate in every match because coaches want to protect them from burnout.
“Rodgers has a real decision on his hands here as Maeda was a revelation last season, and because of that, he may well be the preferred starting striker over Idah. Maeda’s numbers were incredible in terms of goals and assists. A lot of Celtic supporters might prefer to see Maeda remain as the starting centre-forward in place of Idah.”
Hartson’s point about competition is clear. Celtic can’t just count on potential. Idah has shown he can score at this level, but without regular starts and a run of form, it’s hard to say if he’s ready to lead the line.
The choice now lies with Brendan Rodgers. Idah wants to step up, but Maeda was hard to drop last season with the goals and work rate he brought to the team. Who starts through the middle could shape the early part of the campaign.
If Celtic are serious about competing in the Champions League and staying ahead at home, another proven striker could take some pressure off. The squad will need both quality and depth with so many games coming.
Whether Rodgers backs Idah or brings in someone new, it’s a key area that still doesn’t feel fully settled going into the new season.
